California Biographies, Santa Cruz County
FRANK L. HEATH.
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper
Source:
History of Santa Cruz County, California
Pacific Press Publishing Company
San Francisco, Cal. 1892
By E. S. Harrison
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
FRANK L. HEATH.
Although primarily a people of commercial instincts and strong preferences for business avocations, Americans are
not blinded to the beautiful in landscape and in art by the lure and the glitter of gold. While the strictly utilitarian ap-
peals to their stern sense of duty and feeling of personal responsibility for financial success, they maintain neverthe-
less a love of all that appeals to the highest tastes in mankind. The beautiful in art pleases their eyes and the beauti-
ful in music touches the hidden tender chords of the soul. Not in vain, therefore, does the artist depict upon canvas the
harmonious hues of sea and sky, the sweet faces of childhood and the dainty flowers of the forest. Long after the
hands of the painter shall have been folded in rest, the picture will live to breathe into heart-hungry humanity its mes-
sage of hope and happiness.
It has been the good fortune of Frank L. Heath to attain prominence in art while yet in the prime of his strength,
with the hope of many years of usefulness in art before him. Throughout the west his fame as a painter in oil has become
known and his skill recognized, while in other parts of the country he enjoys a growing reputation as his works are
becoming more widely known and their beauty more deeply appreciated. Born near Salem, Ore., July 3, 1857, he is the
son of the late Hon. Lucian Heath, a pioneer of 1852 in Oregon and distinguished as its first secretary of state. During
the fourteen years of his residence in Oregon he formed a large circle of acquaintances among the pioneers of that
commonwealth, where his fine powers of mind aided in the decision of early problems of state importance. Coming to
California he became a pioneer of Santa Cruz in 1866 and opened one of the first mercantile stores on Pacific avenue,
continuing in successful business for many years. In this city he passed away in 1889, mourned by the many warm
friends he had won by his kindly disposition, high principles of honor and recognized ability.
A brief experience as clerk in his father's store convinced Frank L. Heath that he had no inclination toward commer-
cial affairs. Indeed, from his earliest recollections he has been fond of drawing and a lover of art. The wise over-
sight of his father rendered possible excellent training along the line of his specialty. During 1877 he went to San Fran-
cisco and entered as a student the California School of Design, which later became known as the Hopkins School of
Art. In that institution he had the advantage of training under specialists. For three years he continued his studies
in drawing in that school and later he took lessons in sketching in the studio of R. D. Yelland, a well-known artist of
San Francisco. Since then he has worked alone, developing his talent with no other aid than his own unerring tastes.
Outdoor scenes form the greater part of his collection of paintings. To secure studies he has traveled throughout the
United States. Many landscapes of beauty in mountain and valley and sea have been transferred to his canvas, and in
every instance his faithful rendition of Nature's handiwork has elicited the warmest praise. His paintings are to be
found in every part of the United States. The walls of many of the most elegant residences in the country are
adorned with specimens of his work. Many charming scenes, outlined on canvas by his brush with the utmost realism,
may be seen in his pleasant studio at No. 19 Third street. Santa Cruz. The same rooms contain attractive specimens
of the artistic ability of his wife, whom he married in 1897 and who was Miss Lillian J. Dake, a native of Milwaukee,
Wis. Her talents have led her to make a specialty of water color and china painting. Her work in California fruits has
attracted particular attention. Those who come to admire Mr. Heath's paintings seldom leave without words of praise
for the dainty specimens of his wife's skill with the brush.